Virginia Jean Guegel

Virginia Jean Guegel, age 96 of Park Rapid, MN passed away suddenly at St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids on Friday April 15, 2022. Virginia was born in Straight River Township on March 20, 1926, to Melvin and Katherine (Becker) Franks. She was baptized at the Methodist church, and as an infant her parents transferred to St. John’s Lutheran. This became her lifelong church home, being confirmed June 30, 1940. She attended county school south of Park Rapids and then graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1943. She worked at various positions in the cities until her marriage in Robbinsdale, Minnesota on December 21, 1952, to William Leo Guegel. When Bill became employed full time in Park Rapids with the DNR Fisheries they moved to their home on Bottle Lake where they would raise their children and live for over 60 years. Virginia was actively involved in her church as a Sunday School teacher and Ladies Aid. She was a charter member of the St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary, active member of the 4-H club that she and Bill started when their children were young, a member of the Mantrap Valley Conservation Auxiliary, and TOPS. Virginia loved to entertain family and friends and was a fabulous cook. God gave her the gift of decorating tables and that gift was used for family occasions, the church, hospital auxiliary functions, and when they lived at Summerfield. Virginia and Bill enjoyed traveling, first with their children, and then after Bill retired. She also enjoyed golfing -with Bill and friends at the Headwaters Country Club. Virginia is survived by her husband, William of over 70 years, daughters Debra (Michael) Proudfoot of Cocoa, Florida, Lori (Randal) Griess of Park Rapids, MN, Daughter-in-Law, Rose Guegel, of Spokane, WA, grandchildren, Brandi (Matthew) Backmann, Park Rapids, MN, Bradley (Tara) Griess, Rochert, Minnesota, Bryan (Ellie) Griess, Park Rapids, Shawnee (Cory) Jones, Spokane, Washington, and Shalyn Guegel of Spokane, Washington. Five great-grandchildren, Dominic and Natalie Backmann, Mack and Cylus Griess, and Liam Jones, her sisters, LaMae James and Beverely Pearson both of Park Rapids. Virginia was proceeded in death by their infant son Michael and son Randy, an infant brother Arnold, her sisters Marjorie Town and Charlotte Anderson, brother-in-laws: LaVere James, Richard Anderson, and Donald Town. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 26 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the St. Johns Entry project or the Hubbard County All Veterans Memorial